Almond Paste vs. Almond Filling » Unlimited Recipes

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between almond paste and almond filling?

Both are used in baking and contain almonds, but they are quite different products.

Table of Contents

What is Almond Paste?

Almond paste is a dense and doughy baking ingredient made from ground almonds and sugar. It typically contains around 45% almonds and 16 grams of sugar per 2 tablespoons. The texture of almond paste is coarse and soft, but it is sold in a solid block or cylinder form.

Commercially produced almond paste is available in 8-ounce cans or packages for around $5 in most grocery stores. It is often found in the baking aisle, near the canned fruit fillings for pies. Some common brands include Solo and Odense.

How to Use Almond Paste

To use almond paste, most recipes call for it to be crumbled into pieces and mixed with other ingredients to make a pastry crust or filling. Almond paste is often used when making frangipane, which is a type of almond filling used in many tart recipes.

Key Takeaway: Almond paste is a dense, doughy baking ingredient made from ground almonds and sugar. It has a coarse and soft texture and is often used to make almond fillings or pastry crusts.

What is Almond Filling?

Almond filling is a soft, spreadable mixture that is used as a filling in pastries and other baked goods. Unlike almond paste, almond filling is not a product that can be bought off the shelf. It must be made by combining almond paste with other ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.

To make almond filling or frangipane, you would beat together almond paste, softened butter, sugar, almond extract, and eggs until creamy and light in texture. Then, you would add in flour and salt to create the filling.

Frangipane has a very soft consistency, unlike the dense texture of almond paste. It is best prepared just before using, rather than making a large batch ahead of time like you can with almond paste.

Using Almond Filling

Almond filling is commonly used as a filling in tarts, pastries, and other baked goods. It can be spread or piped into pre-baked shells and then baked until set. The filling adds a rich, almond flavor to the baked goods.

Key Takeaway: Almond filling is a soft, spreadable mixture made from almond paste, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. It is used as a filling in pastries and baked goods to add rich almond flavor.

The Difference Between Almond Paste and Almond Filling

While both almond paste and almond filling contain almonds and sugar, there are a few key differences between the two:

Almond Paste	Almond Filling
Dense, doughy texture	Soft, spreadable texture
Contains only ground almonds and sugar	Contains almond paste, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour
Sold as a solid block or cylinder	Made fresh before using
Used to make pastry crusts and fillings	Used as a filling in pastries and baked goods
Coarse texture	Smooth texture

As you can see from the table, the main differences are in the texture, ingredients, and how they are used in baking.

Key Takeaway: Almond paste has a dense, doughy texture and is used to make pastry crusts and fillings. Almond filling has a soft, spreadable texture and is used as a filling in pastries and baked goods.

Substituting Almond Paste and Almond Filling

In some recipes, the terms "almond paste" and "marzipan" are used interchangeably, which can be confusing. Marzipan is similar to almond paste, but it contains more sugar and fewer almonds, giving it a finer texture and sweeter taste.

Tips for Using Almond Paste and Almond Filling

Here are some tips to keep in mind when working with almond paste and almond filling:

Storing Almond Paste: Once opened, wrap any leftover almond paste tightly and store it in the refrigerator. For longer storage, wrap it in a freezer-quality plastic bag and freeze it for up to 1 year.
Softening Almond Paste: If your almond paste has become hard or dry, you can soften it by kneading in a small amount of corn syrup or honey until it becomes pliable.
Flavoring Almond Filling: For extra almond flavor in your almond filling, you can add a few drops of almond extract or even a bit of amaretto liqueur.
Using Almond Meal: In some recipes, you can substitute almond meal or almond flour for a portion of the almond paste to reduce the density and sweetness of the filling.
Baking with Almond Filling: When baking with almond filling, be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully. Overbaking can cause the filling to become dry and crumbly.

FAQs

What is the ratio of almonds to other ingredients in almond paste?

Commercial almond paste typically contains around 45% almonds and 16 grams of sugar per 2 tablespoons.

Can I substitute marzipan for almond paste in a recipe?

Yes, you can substitute marzipan for almond paste in a recipe, but you'll need to reduce the amount of sugar called for since marzipan is sweeter than almond paste.

How should I store almond paste and almond filling?

Almond paste can be stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator or freezer for longer storage. Almond filling should be used immediately after making and cannot be stored for long periods.

Can I make almond paste at home?

Yes, you can make homemade almond paste by grinding blanched almonds and sugar together until a smooth paste forms. You may need to add a small amount of egg white to help bind the mixture.

Is almond paste or almond filling gluten-free?

Almond paste is naturally gluten-free, as it contains only almonds and sugar. Almond filling can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or almond flour in the recipe.

Conclusion

Almond paste and almond filling are both used in baking but have distinct differences.

Almond paste is a dense, doughy ingredient made from ground almonds and sugar, while almond filling is a soft, spreadable mixture made from almond paste, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.